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Chief Economist for Canada’s Charitable and Nonprofit Sector

Charities and nonprofits are an important part of the economy. The Chief Economist for Canada’s Charitable and Nonprofit Sector is responsible for measuring the impact of the sector and bringing its economic issues forward to public policy decision makers.

The sector is important in terms of its contribution to economic activity and jobs. In Canada, more than 170,000 organizations work in areas ranging from healthcare to sports, the arts, social services, education, international development and the environment. The charitable and nonprofit sector represents 8.1% of Canada’s GDP and 10.5% of the labour force.

Discussion Paper

Beyond Synergy: Charities Building the Future Canadians Want

Released: February 2018

As a follow up to his Charities, Sustainable Funding and Smart Growth discussion paper , Chief Economist Brian Emmett presents a strategic architecture for government and the charitable and nonprofit sector to address the looming social deficit in Canada. The missions of charities align with building the future Canadians want – one that is equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible – but without attention to the economic contributions of charities and regulatory reform of out-dated rules and regulations, the innovation necessary to fulfill this promise will be greatly impeded.

In February 2013, Brian Emmett joined Imagine Canada in the unique role of the Chief Economist for Canada’s Charitable and Nonprofit Sector. Read more.

The office of the Chief Economist for Canada’s Charitable and Nonprofit Sector is made possible through funding received by the Bank of Montreal, The Counselling Foundation of Canada, The Muttart Foundation, and an anonymous donor.